At $37,899/yr net price, Merrimack College graduates earn $75,584/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,584/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,899 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $151,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,584/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,584/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,376/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,509/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,926/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,097/yr |
| $110,001+ | $41,477/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,508 | $20,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,327 | $27,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,160 | $24,731 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,783 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $36,312 | $20,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,141 | $27,000 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | Bachelor | $35,600 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
72.1% of students at Merrimack College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Merrimack College delivers middling returns at a premium price point. Your $37,899 annual net cost produces median earnings of $75,584 after ten years, which translates to roughly break-even territory when factoring in opportunity costs and debt service.
Accounting stands out as the clear financial winner at Merrimack, generating $62,508 in median earnings with relatively low debt loads of $20,500. This program offers legitimate ROI in Greater Boston's competitive accounting market. Business administration and management sciences lag significantly behind at $44,327 and $47,260 respectively, making these popular majors questionable investments at Merrimack's price point.
Education majors face particularly steep financial headwinds, earning just $43,160 while carrying nearly $25,000 in debt. Massachusetts teaching salaries cannot justify this debt burden for most graduates. Communication majors fare worst of all, with $38,289 earnings that barely exceed what high school graduates earn in the region.
The school's 72% graduation rate creates additional risk. Nearly three in ten students leave without degrees, yet still carry debt from their time enrolled. This graduation rate sits below national averages for private colleges.
Merrimack works financially if you pursue accounting with strong academic performance to minimize borrowing. The school's 15% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based assistance, making merit scholarships critical for affordability. Massachusetts residents should compare carefully against UMass system schools, which offer similar programs at substantially lower costs.
Skip Merrimack if you plan to study education, communications, or general business fields where the debt-to-earnings ratio works against you in Massachusetts job markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merrimack College worth the cost?
Merrimack College graduates earn $75,584 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable but not exceptional given the $37,899 annual net price. The accounting program shows strong returns at $62,508, but other popular majors like communications and education offer weaker financial outcomes.
What programs at Merrimack College have the best ROI?
Accounting stands out with graduates earning $62,508 annually, making it the clear winner for return on investment. Management sciences and business administration also perform decently, while education and communications majors earn significantly less despite similar tuition costs.
How much debt do Merrimack College students graduate with?
The median debt at Merrimack College is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With typical graduate earnings of $75,584, most students should be able to handle their loan payments without major financial stress.
Does Merrimack College offer good financial aid?
With a net price of $37,899 after aid, Merrimack College provides moderate financial assistance but still requires a significant investment. The 72% graduation rate means about one in four students don't finish, making the financial commitment risky for some.